OSUBasketballJunkie
Never Forget 31-0
DDN
8/22/06
8/22/06
Bengals notes
Bad preseason rush stats don't concern Lewis
By Chick Ludwig
Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Bengals fans, concerned about the team's poor preseason rushing totals, got some reassuring news Monday.
"We'll be fine," head coach Marvin Lewis said, "when it's time to be fine."
The Bengals have rushed 59 times for 198 yards, a 3.4 average, and one touchdown. Within those ugly numbers are Rudi Johnson's unsightly statistics — six carries for minus-5 yards. Quarterback Doug Johnson has the team's only rushing TD.
"We want to make sure we're on track and blocking the right way," Lewis said. "That's our most important role and that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to look at our players in different situations and not really worry about the schematics of 'what' and 'how.' We just want to see 'who.' "
Johnson isn't worried.
"We're trying out some new plays, something we haven't done in the past," he said. "Fans shouldn't be worried. I'm not."
Henry's trial
Wide receiver Chris Henry's trial date in Orlando, Fla., hasn't officially been set. But the two-week trial window started Monday in the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. He's charged with possession of a concealed firearm stemming from his Jan. 28 arrest.
He's back
Wide receiver Antonio Chatman finally returned to practice after suffering a pelvic strain late last month.
"I'm about to go crazy," he said. "I'm tired of watching. I want to get out there and make some plays like my teammates. I'm trying my best to get all my rehabs in and come back strong."
Tale of two tackles
Right offensive tackle Willie Anderson was asked to critique the play of Andrew Whitworth and Stacy Andrews, who started at left and right tackle at Buffalo.
"They played well," Anderson said. "The big thing is you always want to make sure that the quarterback doesn't get killed. Our quarterbacks (Anthony Wright and Doug Johnson) didn't get killed."
'A little greedy'
Cornerback Keiwan Ratliff had nobody to blame but himself after getting burned by Bills wide receiver Lee Evans for a 46-yard TD.
"He ran a double move, and I got a little greedy," Ratliff said. "I went for the pump-fake and I should have just played the receiver instead of the quarterback.
"It takes a short memory to be a corner. Once you start erasing those negatives and keep 'em all positive, then you're on the right track."
Perry fallout
Lewis said tailback Chris Perry was "just frustrated" when he criticized the Bengals medical staff Sunday.
"Maybe he said a little bit more than he should say," Lewis said. "But he's injured. He's working his butt off to get himself back and, hopefully soon, he'll be healthy."
Season ends
Cornerback Rashad Bauman was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve because of a torn patella tendon in his left knee.
Upvote
0